Current health care system unsustainable

As Congress wrestles with health care, and we read about it daily in the pages of this newspaper, I want to urge our members of Congress to pass meaningful reform. I'm a registered nurse and I know the crisis first hand.

The employer-based system, as it stands, is completely unsustainable. According to the Center for American Progress, approximately 20 percent of employers expect to drop their coverage of employees in the next few years. What are those millions of people who rely on that insurance supposed to do then?

Meanwhile, health insurance premiums for small businesses, which are a critical part of our economy, increased 30 percent between 2000 and 2005. That's in no way sustainable. These business owners want to do right by their employees. The only way they can is if the government changes the game so insurance companies can't keep putting people before profits. Tinkering around the edges won't help. A major overhaul is needed - NOW! I urge Iowa's congressional delegation to put aside their partisan bickering and do what's right for Iowans.

Mary L  Burke

Lisbon